Paving-related measuring device incorporating a computer device and communication element therebetween and associated method

ABSTRACT

A system configured to determine a property of a paving-related material is provided. The system includes a measuring device configured for measuring a property of a paving-related material and a cellular computer device configured for being in communication with and receiving data from the measuring device.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/367,018, filed on Feb. 6, 2012, which is a continuation of U.S.patent application Ser. No. 12/123,242, filed on May 19, 2008, now U.S.Pat. No. 8,112,242, which is a continuation of U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 10/817,169, filed on Apr. 2, 2004, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,367,530,which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/269,843, filed on Oct. 11, 2002, now U.S. Pat. No. 6,915,216, all ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to measurement devices for measuringproperties of aggregates, soils, and paving materials and, moreparticularly, to a system and method for determining a property of apaving-related material sample with a measuring device in communicationwith a computer device via a communication element.

DESCRIPTION OF RELATED ART

The process of paving roadways is subject to standards which direct thenecessary characteristics of the paving used to form the roadway. Assuch, actual data from the paving contractor supporting such compliancewith the applicable standards is often a mandatory requirement of theentity owning the roadway. Often, the entity is part of the governmentsuch as, for example, the Department of Transportation of the state. Inorder to determine compliance with these various standards, thecontractor must often perform certain measurements in the field withcertain measuring devices at certain points as the roadway is beingpaved. However, such measuring devices used in the field often use bulkyand cumbersome keypads and/or older technology displays having limitedcapabilities with respect to collecting, storing, manipulating, anddisplaying the necessary data. In other instances, the keypad anddisplay are integrated into the measuring device itself, wherein themeasuring device most be programmed with the measurement parameters, viathe keypad, prior to or concurrently with performing the propertymeasurement. However, the measuring device is typically required to beplaced in contact with the roadway to initiate the property measurement.Once the measurement is completed, the measured value must then be readby the operator. Thus, in both the measurement preparation step and themeasurement reading step, the entire device Is usually required to beplaced on a raised surface or the operator must stoop to the level ofthe measuring device on the roadway, both of which may cumbersome,inconvenient, uncomfortable, or otherwise undesirable.

In some instances, the measuring device may require the contractor tomanually gather the necessary data and/or keep any notes using paper anda writing utensil. The contractor not only must gather the data from thesite, hut must also transcribe or otherwise manipulate the collecteddata such that the data can be presented to the owning entity in ausable and/or the required format. The described data collectionprocess, though, is prone to inaccuracies, both in the collection of thedata and the transcription and/or manipulation of the data. Such aprocess may also, in some instances, become more complicated if there isuncertainty between the contractor and the owning entity regarding ameasurement and/or the location of that measurement. Accordingly, thismay lead to disputes since the owning entity is often not present toactually witness the applicable measurements that are generally manuallyperformed by the contractor. Further, the owning entity usually receivesa manually prepared record of the time, date, location, and value ofeach measurement as evidence of the contractors compliance with theapplicable standards.

Thus, there exists a need for a system capable of determining a desiredproperty of a sample of a paving-related material, wherein such a systemis further capable of associating other measurements or data, such aslocation, with the determined property of the sample, so as to providedata having the content and format required by the owning entity, whilealso providing the owning entity with some assurances of accuracy andreliability of the data. There also exists a need for such a system thatis more user-friendly and more flexible with respect to determining thecapabilities of the measuring device. Such a system should also overcomethe requirement that the measuring device be placed on a raised surfaceor the operator stoop to the level of the device on the roadway in orderto program and/or read the device.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The above and other needs are met by the present invention which, in oneembodiment, provides a system adapted to determine a property of apaving-related material Such a system comprises a measuring device forselectively and directly measuring the property of the paving-relatedmaterial. A computer device is capable of executing a software programproduct and communicating with the measuring device. The computer deviceis configured to direct the measuring device to measure the property ofthe paving-related material according to a parameter determined by thesoftware program product, and to receive data comprising the measuredproperty of the paving-related material from the measuring device. Acommunication element is operably engaged between the measuring deviceand the computer device so as to allow communication therebetween. Thecommunication element is configured to allow the computer device to bespaced apart from the measuring device, thereby allowing tire computerdevice to be prepared, to include the parameter and to manipulate thedata, in spaced apart relation with respect to the measuring device.

Still another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises amethod of determining a property of a paving-related material. First, acomputer device is prepared to execute a software program product fordirecting a measuring device to directly measure the property of thepaving-related material, according to a parameter determined by thesoftware program product, and to receive data comprising the measuredproperty of the paving-related material from the measuring device. Thesoftware program product is then executed. The executed software programproduct is communicated from the computer device to the measuring devicevia a communication element operably engaged therebetween. Thecommunication element is configured to allow the computer device to bespaced apart from the measuring device such that the computer device canbe prepared, in spaced apart relation with respect to the measuringdevice, to include the parameter and to manipulate the data.

Yet another advantageous aspect of the present invention comprises asystem adapted to cooperate with a measuring device to selectively anddirectly measure a property of a paving-related material. Such a systemincludes a computer device capable of executing a software programproduct and communicating with the measuring device. The computer deviceis configured to direct the measuring device to measure the property ofthe paving-related material according to a parameter determined by thesoftware program product, and to receive data comprising the measuredproperty of the paving-related material from the measuring device. Acommunication element is operably engaged between the measuring deviceand the computer device so as to allow communication therebetween. Thecommunication element is configured to allow the computer device to bespaced apart from the measuring device, thereby allowing the computerdevice to be prepared, to include the parameter and to manipulate thedata, in spaced apart relation with respect to the measuring device.

Thus, embodiments of the present invention meet the above-identifiedneeds and provide distinct advantages as further detailed herein.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING(S)

Having thus described the invention in general terms, reference will nowbe made to the accompanying drawing, which is not necessarily drawn toscale, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a schematic illustration of a system for determining aproperty of a paving-related material, sample with a measurement devicehaving a locating device operably engaged therewith, the measuringdevice and the locating device being in communication with a computerdevice, according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a schematic illustration of a measurement device incommunication with a computer device via a wireless connection,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a schematic illustration of a measurement device incommunication with a computer device via a hardwire connection,according to one embodiment of the present invention;

FIGS. 4A-4C are schematic illustrations of a measurement device incommunication with a computer device via a wire having a connector ateither or both ends, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention; and

FIG. 5 is a schematic illustration of a measurement device incommunication with a computer device via a connector, according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present inventions now will be described more fatty hereinafter withreference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not allembodiments of the invention are shown. Indeed, these inventions may beembodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limitedto the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided so that this disclosure will satisfy applicable legalrequirements. Like numbers refer to like elements throughout.

FIG. 1 illustrates a system for determining a property of apaving-related material according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, the system being indicated generally by the numeral 10. Sucha system 10 comprises at least measuring device 100 for measuring aproperty of a sample 200 of a paving-related material such as, forexample, an asphalt paving mix, a soil, or an aggregate. For example,one measuring device 100 may comprise a nuclear density gauge such as,for instance, a Model 3451 Nuclear Density Gauge manufactured by TroxlerElectronic Laboratories, for determining the density of the sample 200,while another measuring device 100 may comprise, for instance, amoisture meter such as, for example, a Model 4300 Moisture Metermanufactured by Troxler Electronic Laboratories, for determining themoisture content of the sample 200. Other possibly suitable measuringdevices 100 include, for example, any other instrumentation capable ofdetermining density such as a Seismic Pavement Analyzer (SPA), aportable SPA (PSPA) manufactured by Geomedia, a Model H-4140 stiffnessgauge distributed by Humboldt Manufacturing, a Model 8000 Falling WeightDeflectometer (FWD) manufactured by Dynatest, and/or variouselectromagnetic and/or microwave devices such as a ground penetratingradar (GPR) type asphalt instrument from Geophysical Survey Systems orInfrasense, or various RF devices such as the Pave Tracker and the PQIfrom Trans-Tech, One skilled in the art will also appreciate that manyother particular measuring devices 100 may also be used herein andselected from any number of devices such as a nuclear density gauge, anuclear moisture gauge, a seismic pavement analyzer, a stiffness gauge,a falling weight deflectometer, a ground penetrating radar device, aradio frequency device, an electromagnetic device, a microwave device, asurface roughness measuring device, a pavement temperature sensor, apavement temperature measuring device, and combinations thereof. Suchmeasuring devices 100 are, in some instances, generally directed tomeasuring density-related parameters such as, for example, a modulus ofelasticity (shear and Young's), a stiffness of the soil or asphaltsample, a void content, and hulk density, wherein the determination ofsuch density-related parameters will be readily appreciated by oneskilled in the art. Further, as will be appreciated by one skilled inthe art, the measuring device 100 may comprise any other appropriatefield or laboratory device, or combinations thereof, capable ofperforming the desired property measurements of such paving-relatedmaterials.

In some of the aforementioned measuring devices 100 and as further shownin FIGS. 2-5, the control system 120 therefor comprising, for example, akeypad 140 and a display 160, may be integrated with or securelyattached to the property measuring portion 180 of the measuring device100. That is, the measuring portion 180 of the measuring device 100 andthe control system 120 may be built into a single case or enclosure soas to provide a self-contained device. However, such as integratedmeasuring device 100 may be cumbersome or inconvenient for the operator,particularly in instances where the measuring device 100 must be putinto contact with the pavement in order to perform the propertymeasurement. Thus, in order to program the control system 120 or readthe measurement from the display 160, the operator often must place themeasuring device 100 onto a raised platform or the operator must stoopdown to the level of the measuring device 100 on the pavement. In eitherof these instances, operation of the measuring device 100 may becumbersome or inconvenient. The system 10 thus further includes acomputer device 400 such as, for example, a Personal Digital Assistant(PDA), custom configured controller, other appropriate computer device,such as a “smart device” or the like configured to be in communicationwith the measuring device 100 via a communication element 450. Thecomputer device 400 may be provided in addition to the control system120 or in the alternative to the control system 120. Though the system10 is described herein in terms of the computer device 400 beingprovided as an alternative to the control system 120, one skilled in theart will appreciate that there may be many ways of incorporating thecomputer device 400 in addition to the control system 120 such that oneor the other, or both, may be used to control, direct, or otherwisedetermine the parameters used by the measuring device 100 to obtain thenecessary measurements and provide the corresponding data. Someembodiments of the invention may thus provide a computer device 400and/or communication element 450, as described further herein, that maybe used with many different measuring devices 100, examples of which arepresented herein, or combinations of such measuring devices 100, and arenot associated with any particular measuring device 100.

The communication element 450 operably engaged between the computerdevice 400 and the measuring device 100 may be configured in manydifferent manners. For example, the computer device 400 may beconfigured to communicate with the measuring device 100, a locatingdevice 300 as discussed further herein, or other computer devices 400using, for example, a communication element 450 configured to useBluetooth™ wireless technology using appropriate wireless transceiversoperable engaged with the appropriate component, as shown schematicallyin FIG. 2. However, the wireless communication element 450 may implementmany other analog and/or digital wireless communication systems and/ormodulation schemes such as, for example, IR, FSK, PSK, or radiofrequency systems, as will be appreciated by one skilled in the art.According to other embodiments of the present invention, thecommunication element 450 may comprise a wire element 700 connectedbetween the measuring device 100 and the computer device 400, as shownin FIG. 3. In such instances, the wire element 700 is configured to beextendable such that the computer device 400 can be physically separatedfrom the measuring device 100, but remain in communication therewith viathe wire element 700. Further, the wire element 700 may be configured toexample, in a flexible cord form, in a coil form, or in a flexible cordform engaged with an auto-retraction device. Thus, in instances wherethe communication element 450 is embodied in wireless communicationtechnology or comprises a wire element 700, communication between thecomputer device 400 and the measuring device 100 may be selectivelyestablished at any time. That is, such communication may be establishedin preparing or programming the computer device 400 in order to, forexample, determine one or more parameters affecting the propertymeasurement performed by the measuring device 100. Communication mayalso be established to, for instance, monitor the progress ofmeasurements, adjust one or more-parameters during a measurementprocess, or to receive measurement data from the measuring device 100.

In other embodiments, as shown, in FIGS. 4A-4C and 5, the system 10 mayinclude a connector 710 comprising a first connector portion 720 and acorresponding second connector portion 730 disposed between the computerdevice 400 and the measuring device 100. The connector portions 720, 730are configured to be removably engageable and, when engaged, allowcommunication between the computer device 400 and the measuring device100. In some instances, the connector 710 may be disposed directlybetween the computer device 400 and the measuring device 100. That is,the first connector portion 720 may be engaged with the computer device400 while the second connector portion 730 is engaged with the measuringdevice 100. In such a configuration, the computer device 400 may engagethe measuring device 100 in a “docking station” form as shown in FIG. 5,where the computer device 400 can be installed in a correspondingreceptacle defined by the measuring device 100 such that the connectorportions 720, 730 engage and allow communication between the computerdevice 400 and the measuring device 100.

In other instances, the connector 710 may be established between thewire element 700 and the computer device 400 and/or between the wireelement 700 and the measuring device 100. That is, the wire element 700may be engaged with either the computer device 400 or the measuringdevice 100 at one end, while the other end of the wire element 700 isengaged with the first connector portion 720. Such configurations areschematically illustrated in FIGS. 4B and 4C. In such instances, thecomputer device 400 or the measuring device 100, whichever is notengaged with the wire element 700, is provided with the second connectorportion 730. In some instances, however, the wire element 700 mayinclude a connector 710 at both ends such that the wire element 700 canbe removed from either or both of the computer device 400 and themeasuring device 100, as shown in FIG. 4A. One skilled in the art,though, will appreciate that the connector 710, if used, can beimplemented at any position along the length of the wire element 700.Thus, in embodiments employing such a connector 710, the computer device400 may be physically separated from and removed from communication withthe measuring device 100. That is, the computer device 400 can beprepared or programmed to, for example, determine one or more parametersaffecting the property measurement performed by the measuring device100, monitor the progress of measurements, adjust one or more parametersduring a measurement process, or to receive measurement data from themeasuring device 100, while separated from and not in communication withthe measuring device 100. Once the preparation process is completed, thecomputer device 400 may be reconnected to the measuring device 100 viathe connector(s) 710 and, in some instances, via the wire element 700,before the software run by the computer device 400 is executed and themeasuring device 100 is directed to perform the selected propertymeasurement(s) and/or handle the measurement data determined by themeasuring device 100.

With the computer device 400 being configured to be physically separablefrom the measuring device 100, several advantages may be realized. Forexample, the operator is not required to be on the same level as themeasuring device 100 in order to prepare or otherwise program thecomputer device 400. That is, the measuring device 100 can be placed onthe pavement in a designated position, for the desired propertymeasurement, while the computer device 400 may be physically separatedfrom the measuring device 100 such that the operator can prepare orprogram the computer device at a separate raised location. In thismanner, the measuring device 100 is not required to be moved to the sameraised location, as the computer device 400 and the operator does nothave to stoop to the level of the measuring device 100 on the pavementin order to prepare or program the computer device 400. The sameadvantages may be realized where the operator has to read themeasurement data determined by the measuring device 100. Where aconnector 710 is implemented, the computer device 400 may be taken outof communication with the measuring device 100 and handled separatelytherefrom. If, for example, the computer device 400 requires upgrade orservice, the measuring device 100 does not also have to be transportedto a service center along with the computer device 400. In someinstances, the measuring device 100 may also be directed to perform theproperty measurement while the computer device 400 is physicallyseparate therefrom, but in communication therewith, so as to provideremote control tor the measuring device 100 and to allow the measurementdata to be remotely read and processed by the computer device 400.

The separable computer device 400 may provide even more advantages. Forinstance, the measuring device 100 itself may be capable of performing aplurality of functions. Each function may, for instance, be related to aparticular parameter used by the measuring device 100 to measure aparticular property of the sample 200 and/or the type of propertymeasurement returned by the measuring device 100 and/or the handling,manipulation, or direction of that data. The functional, capabilities ofthe measuring device 100, however, are generally determined by thesoftware executed by the computer device 400. That is, the softwareexecuted by the computer device 400 is communicated to the measuringdevice 100 and thereby directs the measuring device 100 to perform afunction involving a particular parameter and to handle the measurementdata in a particular manner. Accordingly, in some instances, thesoftware may be configured so as to provide the computer device 400 withthe capability of directing the measuring device 100 to perform only acertain combination of functions out of the plurality of functions ofwhich the measuring device 100 is capable. In practical terms, such acapability may allow, for example, various models to be provided usingthe same measuring device 100 and computer device 400, but by providingvarious levels of software. That is, a base level model may includesoftware capable of directing the measuring device 100 to perform acertain amount or combination of functions. A higher level model mayinclude the same measuring device 100 and computer device 400, but mayinclude software capable of directing the measuring device 100 toperform an increased number or different combinations of functions overthe base model. In such instances, the software may be written in thesame computer language over the model range and, if the customer or enduser eventually requires the capabilities of a higher model, such asupgrade may be provided to the customer or end user with a softwareupgrade. That is, additional functional capabilities or a differentcombination of functions may be provided by updating the softwareexecuted by the computer device 400. Such a software upgrade may besupplied on a storage media shipped to the customer or may beaccomplished, for example, as a download from the Internet or othercentral computer device 500 or as a flash upgrade to the computer device400.

In particularly advantageous embodiments, each measuring device 100 mayfurther include a locating device 300 operably engaged therewith,wherein such a locating device 300 may comprise, for example, a GlobalPositioning System (GPS) device or other satellite and/or land-basedbeacon type of locating device implementing, in some instances, alocation enhancement scheme such as Differential GPS (DGPS) or a WideArea Augmentation Scheme (WAAS). However, many different forms oflocating devices and/or location, enhancement schemes will beappreciated by one skilled in the art as being within the spirit andscope of the present invention. The locating device 300 is configured todetermine the position/location of the respective measuring device 100,wherein, in one embodiment, the locating device 300 is configured todetermine the position/location in latitude, longitude, and/or altitudecoordinates, though any other suitable coordinate system may be used.Since the locating device 300 is operably engaged, with the measuringdevice 100, in addition, to the purposes as described herein, thelocating device 300 may also be useful in, for example, locating andrecovering lost or stolen, measuring devices 100 as will be appreciatedby one skilled in the art. For example, a measuring device 100/locatingdevice 300 unit may be configured to be in communication with a beacondevice (not shown), wherein the beacon device may be further configuredto transmit a signal to the measuring device 100/locating device 300unit if it is determined that the unit is lost, misplaced, or stolen.The unit, in response to the signal, may then be configured to send asignal back to the beacon device indicative of the physical positionand/or movement parameters of the unit, as determined by the locatingdevice 300. In other instances, the unit may be configured to send asignal to the beacon device indicative of the physical position and/ormovement parameters of the unit if the unit becomes separated from thebeacon device by more than a selected distance. In this regard, thecomputer device 400 may also be operably engaged, or communicable withthe locating device 300 operably engaged with the measuring device 100or, in other instances, the computer device 400 may have a separatelocating device 300 operably engaged therewith.

In instances where the computer device 400 is configured to be inwireless communication with the measuring device 100, the computerdevice 400 may be configured to communicate with only a single measuringdevice 100/locating device 300 unit, with multiple measuring device100/locating device 300 units, and/or with other computer devices 400configured for a separate set of measuring device 100/locating device300 units. In such instances, the computer device 400 and/or themeasuring device 100/locating device 300 units can be configured withappropriate electronic coded keys, such as an RFID tag, or otheridentifiers so as to ensure that a computer device 400 communicates onlywith the appropriate measuring device 100/locating device 300 units(and/or other computer devices 400), as will also be appreciated by oneskilled in the art. For example, an identifier may comprise a digitalkey for coding a particular measuring device 100/locating device 300unit with a computer device 400. Such identifiers may serve otherpurposes such as, for example, maintaining an inventory of measuringdevice 100/locating device 300 units or tracking such units in thefield.

According to other advantageous aspects of the present invention, thecomputer device 400 is configured, to collect data from the measuringdevice 100/locating device 300/unit(s), sometimes in real time, whereinsuch data includes the measured sample property and the location of themeasuring device 100 when the sample property is measured thereby.However, the computer device 400 may also be configured to be capable ofperforming many other tasks in addition to merely collecting the datafrom the measuring device 100/locating device 300 unit(s). For example,the computer device 400 may be configured to associate, for instance, atime and date stamp, or an electronic identifier for the measuringdevice 100 (type and/or serial number), the operator thereof, the sample200, the locating device 300, the computer device 400 receiving thedata, the operator thereof, and/or the contractor, with each sampleproperty/measuring device location measurement performed by a measuringdevice 100/locating device 300 unit and transmitted to the computerdevice 400. In other instances, the computer device 400 may perform anyor all necessary calculations and/or manipulate the data for display toa user, wherein, for example, the raw data could be displayed or thedata may be manipulated to produce a variety of graphs and graphics thatcould then be presented to the user on a screen of the computer device400. One skilled in the art will appreciate, however, that a widevariety of other functionality may also be implemented in the computerdevice 400. For example, the handheld computer device 400 may also beconfigured to have digital filtering or other digital signal processingincorporated therewith, or may be configured with many differentcapabilities for further enhancing the system 10.

According to further advantageous aspects of the present invention, eachcomputer device 400 is configured to communicate the collected data witha central computer system 500, wherein the central computer system 500may comprise, for example, a host system associated with the contractor.The central computer system 500 is further configured, in someembodiments, to house a database such as, for example, a geographicinformation system (GIS). One advantage of such a configuration is thatthe data may be collected at a central repository having a moreexpansive, secure, reliable, and stable data storage configuration thanthe computer device 400 which may have limited memory and which issubject to a relatively hostile environment in the field. The data maybe collected from the computer device 400, for example, in real time (aseach data element is collected), at the conclusion of a planned seriesof measurements, at the end of a day, at the end of a job, or on anotherwise periodic basis. The central computer system 500 may also havegreater computing and analysis capabilities, as well as more extensivedata presentation capabilities, for manipulating the collected data,wherein data from many different computer devices 400 may be collectedfor comprehensive analysis.

Each computer device 400 may communicate with the central computersystem 500 by wireline or by many different wireless systems 550, aswill be appreciated by one skilled in the art. For example, thecommunication may be accomplished via a wide area network (WAN), a localarea network (LAN), a satellite network, or otherwise over the Internet.Voice/data network protocols and frequencies that may be supportedinclude, but are not limited to, for example, the global system formobile communications (GSM)/general packet radio service (GPRS),dual-mode advanced mobile phone service (AMPS)/circuit switched data andcode division multiple access (CDMA/1XRTT) (used, for example, in U.S.PCS cellular telephone systems), TDMA, DataTAC, and Mobitex. Othernetwork protocols and frequencies are known in the art and can besupported as well. For example, emerging technologies such, as 3G or theIEEE 802.11 protocol may be implemented or direct communication throughBluetooth™ technology may also be used. Further, even a conventionaltelephone system (POTS) may be implemented. As such, the data may becommunicated in many different formats consistent with the manydifferent communications options available, wherein the data may be, forexample, included in a simple e-mail message, posted on a web page, orsupplied in a complex encrypted data stream.

In one embodiment, the GPRS or CDMA wireless wide area network interfaceallows communication between the computer device 400 and public digitalcellular telephone networks. As such, the computer device 400 may be, insome instances, configured as or may include a cellular telephonecapable of allowing the user to communicate with other cellulartelephones 650 over the public digital cellular telephone networks.Further, with such various communication options available, softwareupdates and/or relevant data for the computer device 400, the measuringdevice 100, and/or the locating device 300 may be readily providedthereto by the central computer system 500 or any other authorizedcomputer system associated with, for instance, the manufacturer of theparticular component. For example, the central computer system 500 maybe configured to provide or perform flash upgrades of the software runby the computer device 400. In the alternative, such software and/ordata may also accessed by the computer device 400 at a specific site andthen distributed to the measuring device 100 and/or locating device 300,if necessary.

According to further advantageous aspects of the present invention, thecomputer device 400 may be configured to communicate the collected datawith a third party computer device 600 in addition to, or instead of,with the central computer system 500 associated with the contractor. Forexample, the third party computer device 600 may be associated with theowning entity and/or the particular state Department of Transportation.In such instances, the data collected from the measuring device100/locating device 300 unit(s) by the computer device 400 may beassociated with, for example, a time and date stamp, or an electronicidentifier for the measuring device 100 (type and/or serial number), theoperator thereof, the sample 200, the locating device 300, the computerdevice 400 receiving the data, the operator thereof, and/or thecontractor, with each sample property/measuring device locationmeasurement performed by the measuring device 100/locating device 300unit and transmitted to the computer device 400. The data may becollected from the computer device 400, for example, in real time (aseach data element is collected), at the conclusion of a planned seriesof measurements, at the end of a day, at the end of a job, or on anotherwise periodic basis, and then communicated with the third partycomputer device 600, preferably without allowing the raw data to bealtered or otherwise manipulated by the operator of the measuring device100, the locating device 300, or the computer device 400, or by thecontractor. For example, the data could be written into a read-only fileor the third party could assign a software security key to the data fileon the computer device 400 so as to deter any tampering with the datawritten to the file. However, in some instances, the computer device 400may be configured to provide a graphic depiction, such as a variety ofgraphs or graphics, of the data for display to the third party, whereinthe graphical depiction would be provided in addition or in thealternative to the untouched raw data.

A system 10 as described herein provides distinct advantages over anintegrated measuring device capable of addressing such data-relatedissues as previously described. For example, the manufacturer does nothave to stock parts or pay for extra labor in the construction processas would be necessary for an integrated measuring device. Further,measuring device-specific software, I/O systems, and processors are notnecessary. The manufacturer may further save costs by not having todevelop specific hardware and/or software for the particular measuringdevice. In addition, older technology measuring devices 100 may besignificantly and readily updated by configuring the computer device 400to function as the user interface therefor, while a variety ofprogramming languages and protocols may allow greater functionality andflexibility in the capabilities of the measuring devices 100 thanpreviously possible. Also, the measuring device 100 and/or the locatingdevice 300 may be readily configured or updated via a communication fromthe computer device 400 and/or the central, computer system 500 where,for example, the measuring device 100 and/or the locating device 300 maybe remotely calibrated or have calibration parameters directed thereto.In other instances, for example, the measuring device 100 and/or thelocating device 300 may be provided with a digital key from the centralcomputing-device 500 to allow the measuring device 100 and/or thelocating device 300 to be manually manipulated or manipulated via thecomputing device 400.

The customer (contractor) would also realise benefits from a system 10as described. For example, the locating device 300 and/or the computerdevice 400 may be, in some instances, commercially available deviceswhich may be readily configured for the functions as described herein.Accordingly, initial purchase costs and repair costs for the customerwould be lower than specialty devices and the commercially availabledevices could be used for other purposes alternatively or in addition tothe purposes as described herein. The customer could also readily alterexisting software applications or independently develop softwareapplications to custom tailor the system 10 to suit particular needs.

Many modifications and other embodiments of the invention set forthherein will come to mind to one skilled in the art to which thisinvention pertains having the benefit of the teachings presented in theforegoing descriptions and the associated drawings. For example, oneskilled in the art will readily appreciate that a device comprising ameasuring device, a locating device, and a computer device may beprovided, as well as an apparatus comprising a measuring device and anassociated locating device. More particularly, for instance, themeasuring device and locating device may be configured to cooperate tosend the relevant data directly to a central computer system or, inother instances, the measuring device may be configured to store therelevant data, which may then later be downloaded to a computer devicefor analysis. Further, one skilled in the art will also appreciate thatthe systems, devices, and methods described herein will readily lendthemselves to one or more corresponding methods, computer devices,computer software program products, and/or the like within the spiritand scope of the present invention. In addition, the concepts, systems,apparatuses, and methods presented herein may be applicable in manydifferent fields, besides the paving industry, in which it would beadvantageous to combine the position indication of a GPS device with aparticular measurement or event. Therefore, it is to be understood thatthe invention is not to be limited to the specific embodiments disclosedand that modifications and other embodiments are intended to be includedwithin the scope of the appended claims. Although specific terms areemployed herein, they are used in a generic and descriptive sense onlyand not for purposes of limitation.

That which is claimed:
 1. A measuring system comprising: a nucleardensity gauge configured for being placed into contact with apaving-related material in order to take a measurement thereof; alocating device operably engaged with the nuclear density gauge andconfigured to determine the location of the nuclear density gauge; and acontrol system in communication with the locating device and the nucleardensity gauge and configured to: direct the nuclear density gauge totake a measurement of the paving-related material; and direct thelocating device to determine the location of the nuclear density gauge.2. The system according to claim 1, wherein the nuclear density gaugeincludes a keypad interface thereon for receiving operator input fordirecting the control system.
 3. The system according to claim 2,wherein the nuclear density gauge includes a display for displayinginstructions for being selected by a user.
 4. The system according toclaim 2, wherein the control system is internal to the nuclear densitygauge and configured to respond to commands from the keypad interface.5. The system according to claim 1, wherein directing the locatingdevice to determine the location of the nuclear density gauge comprisesdetermining the location of the nuclear density gauge during the processwhen the nuclear density gauge is taking a measurement of thepaving-related material.
 6. The system according to claim 5, wherein thelocation of the nuclear density gauge and measurement of thepaving-related material are displayed on a display.
 7. The systemaccording to claim 5, wherein determining the location of the nucleardensity gauge and taking a measurement of the paving-related materialare performed in real time.
 8. The system according to claim 7, whereinthe paving-related material is a soil, asphalt, concrete or pavementsurface.
 9. The system according to claim 1, further including acommunications element for communicating with a computing device. 10.The system according to claim 9, wherein the communications elementcommunicates at least one of the measurement of the paving-relatedmaterial and the location of the nuclear density gauge to the computingdevice.
 11. The system according to claim 10, wherein the communicationselement is wireless.
 12. The system according to claim 11, wherein thecommunications element is Blue-Tooth® enabled.
 13. The system accordingto claim 1, wherein the control system is configured to collect datafrom the locating device, wherein the data includes the location of thenuclear density gauge.
 14. The system according claim 13, wherein thecontrol system is configured to collect the data from the locatingdevice in real time.
 15. The system according to claim 1, wherein thelocating device is configured to transmit a signal upon determinationthat a nuclear density gauge has been lost or stolen.
 16. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the control system associates a time anddate stamp with the measurement and location of the nuclear densitygauge during the measurement.
 17. The system according to claim 1,wherein the control system directs the nuclear density gauge to take ameasurement of the paving-related material and directs the locatingdevice to determine the location of the gauge when the nuclear densitygauge is stationary on the paving-related material.
 18. The systemaccording to claim 1, wherein the system is further configured todetermine a moisture measurement of the paving-related material.
 19. Amethod for use in measuring the density of a paving-related materialwith a nuclear density gauge configured for being placed into contactwith the paving-related material, the method comprising: providing thesystem of claim 1; using the control system, the locating device, and acommunications element for communicating with a computer device forstoring one or more measurements and other data, directing the nucleardensity gauge to take a measurement of the paving-related material;directing the locating device to determine the location of the nucleardensity gauge during the measurement; determining a time/date stampassociated with the measurement and associated location of the nucleardensity gauge; and directing the communications element to communicateto the computing device the time/date stamp, the measured density of thepaving-related material, and the location of the nuclear density gaugeduring the measurement.
 20. The method of claim 19, further comprisingcommunicating collected data to a central computer system via a network.21. The method of claim 19, wherein the control system is a smartdevice.
 22. The system according to claim 1, wherein the control systemis configured to communicate collected data to a central computer systemvia a network.
 23. The system according to claim 1, wherein the controlsystem is a smart device.
 24. A measuring system comprising: a nucleardensity gauge configured for being placed into contact with apaving-related material in order to take a measurement thereof; alocating device operably engaged with the nuclear density gauge andconfigured to determine the location of the nuclear density gauge; acommunications element for communicating with a computer device forstoring one or more measurements and other data; and a control system incommunication with the locating device and the nuclear density gauge andconfigured to: direct the nuclear density gauge to take a measurement ofthe paving-related material; direct the locating device to determine thelocation of the nuclear density gauge during the measurement; determinea time/date stamp associated with the measurement and associatedlocation of the nuclear density gauge; and direct the communicationselement to communicate to the computing device the time/date stamp, themeasured density of the paving-related material, and the location of thenuclear density gauge during the measurement.
 25. The system accordingto claim 24, wherein the control system is a smart device.